Testimony about the Monaco Charity Film Festival
MCFF 2011
“I am proud to have premiered PART TIME FABULOUS at MCFF alongside creative, beautiful and high caliber films from around the globe.”
“Thank you again for the wonderful festival! I will always remember the wonderful films, amazing filmmakers…”
Jules Bruff, Actress/Producer (USA)
“I was really glad to show my film at MCFF 2011.
I enjoyed seeing so many styles of films and the efelowship with filmmakers.
Many Thanks to you Georges and your whole Team for this beautiful moment of meeting with cinema from all around the World .”
Katell Paillard, Filmmaker (France)
“I couldn’t be happier with my experience at MCFF. I loved its depth and breadth of quality films, its networking possibilities with creative and talented people from all over the world, and its overall atmosphere on the exciting French Riviera. Thank you!
Christophe Nassif, Filmmaker (France/USA)
MCFF is an experience that I will NEVER forget. It was like going to school all over again, only this time I was learning about things I hungered to know about. It was wonderful meeting great people with a lot of experience and knowledge, talking with them and so much knowledge from them. It made it more Spectacular than getting the Award for Best Entertaining Film for my movie Inale …it made all the work we have put into It worthwhile; and to crown this unique experience, making new great friends.*Keke Bongos, Producer (Nigeria)*
“ Thank You MCFF Team for the effort to make this the best film Festival in Monaco, after 14 years working in Monaco, it is definitely the best I ever experienced, I found the workshops excellent with special thanks for their personal contribution to Brad Littlefield and Charles Domokos from L.A. and the rest of the panel, down to earth tips and encouragements. As a scriptwriter it is great to be speaking with professionals from all over the world, young talent from Ghana, Adam Wilkinson and Patrick Masekeda, dear Obi Emelonye lawyer /Filmmaker from the UK, and you Georges showing courage to finance the documentary Children of War, which I promote with my heart, such an inspiring entourage.
The Closing Gala was a fairy tale at Hotel Hermitage, the jewel of Monaco, with a Fashion Show from Jeff Garner from Prophetic USA. The theme of the Festival an Homage to the elegance from our beloved Princess Grace de Monaco, if she was still alive she surely would have worn the designs from Jeff, natural health material and an environmental challenge and awakening to the great designers from the catwalk”.
P.P. van der Beek, Screenwriter (Monaco)
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at MCFF; the wide range of fantastic films of different genres and lengths from across the world; the invaluable opportunity for networking and camaraderie amongst filmmakers; the excellent organization of what is a complex event and more importantly, the fact that I can count myself among the growing number of distinguished filmmakers whose works have graced one of the most important celebrations of filmmaking in Europe. Thank you George.”
Obi Emelonye, Filmmaker (GB/Nigeria)
Films dealing with intriguing subject matter, creating an important dialogue, in the warmest familial atmosphere, set in a breathtaking location. A deeply inspiring Festival.
Yael Zvi, Filmmaker (Israel)
The 6th MCFF is an event full to the brim with wonderful movies, filmmakers and goodwill to all, to which I hope to return next year.
Max Lalanne, Filmmaker/Actor (USA)
Georges, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of MCFF… for the second time!
It was wonderful to meet young enthusiastic filmmakers!
MCFF is the genuine true supporter of independent filmmakers!!!
Again, you are the best (Movie) Lover!!!
Hye-young Choi, Producer (South Korea/Japan)
I’m grateful to MCFF for the opportunity to meet filmmakers from different countries in a family atmosphere, to make friends with people with similar interests, to expose myself and to get inspiration from interesting works from others.
Thanks to organizers of this great event that gave me such an exciting and unforgettable experience!
Anna Zaytseva, Filmmaker (Czech Republic)
MCFF is by far one of the best International Film Festivals that brings cinema talents together, and the facts that it’s set in gorgeous Monaco and ran by the charming L.A. Filmmaker Georges Chamchoum does not hurt either!
Merci infiniment, Georges. See you in 2012!
Flora Kung, Filmmaker (USA)
MCFF brings a selected group of international filmmakers from different continents together under one roof, and for one week we breathe films, have panel discussions and party in the amazing French Riviera – pretty cool! Hope to join you again next year!
Mia Lalanne, Actress/Filmmaker (USA)
“Being a part of MCFF is like having a world tour through many of the cultures worldwide. It expands your vision on many cinematic styles thus enriching your experience as a filmmaker and also on a personal level. It’s a ‘magic” setting to see great movies, have fun, meet talented and devoted people and start friendships, all this in one of the most exquisite places in the world.
MCFF is the experience of which you definitely want to be part of.”
Alex Iures, Filmmaker (Romania)
The Monaco Charity Film Festival offers filmmakers the opportunity to share their passion with like-minded filmmakers from all across the world, in a comfortable and intimate setting, for a worthy cause.
Jared Abdul Rahman, Filmmaker (Australia)
The Monaco Charity Film Festival inspired me—in the arts, in the humanities, and in compassion for the least among us.
It was life changing…
James Jeffery Caldwell, Actor (USA)
“A huge thank you for a great Festival! In Monaco, we live in a kind of bubble, lulled into a world of sun, sea and security, which benefits immeasurably from a window opened on the entire world. I was glued to my seat by “Face to Face”. The pace, casting, acting, script, development of character, direction – even the fine-tuned attention to detail – were all so polished. I’m grateful for the opportunity to discover a neat, new Antipodal take on things. Watching the last journey of Robert Kennedy was incredibly moving and the sheer beauty of “Rice Paddy” photography nothing less than enchanting.
I could go on and on, but this is already the longest one-liner I’ve ever written.”
Lois Bolton, Writer/Journalist (Monaco)
What a pleasant event you created, my friend!
There are very few film Festivals in the World that care about filmmakers rather than the commercial values of the products they create and your Monaco Film Festival is certainly the best of them all. You, as an accomplished film director have such a deep understanding of what goes into making of a film, and that’s why you give so much of yourself to every participant in this fantastic event. Hope to be there again!
Vladimir Horunzhy, Producer (Ukraine)
The people and their messages to the world were the recipe for MCFF. It was MAGIC!
Wissam Saliba, Actor (France/USA)
The 2011 MCFF was a wonderful platform for the independent filmmaker and a beautiful venue at the Princess Grace Theater to show independent films to a cosmopolitan audience passionate about world cinema. I thought it was truly a great Festival, Georges, and your efforts were instrumental to make it happen.
I’m grateful to you and everyone for having this forum for us filmmakers
Charles Domokos, Academic/Filmmaker, (USA)
Monaco is beautiful, but what made the festival really special was the support, the care and encouragement from fellow filmmakers.
Adam Wilkinson, Filmmaker (Ghana)
“The whole experience was like a Mid-Summer night’s Movie Dream!”
Sanha Kim, Filmmaker, (South Korea)
Thank You Georges, it was my great luck to become a part of this wonderful Team and feel your everyday care and your outstanding personal devotion to this unique Festival. I am with You for future and for any other adventure in the wonderful world of cinema…
Affectionately and respectfully yours,
Igor Kokarev, Academic/Filmmaker (Russia)
“MCFF is truly a filmmaker’s Festival and my favorite one at that. Set in the heart of the French Riviera, it’s a place where you’ll move beyond standard networking and form lasting relationships with fellow filmmakers, many of whom are up-and-coming, from around the world. This is the most intimate, international, and inspiring Festival I have ever attended.”
Mark Weber, Filmmaker (USA)
“After three consecutive years at MCFF, as I myself have grown from competitor to awardee to juror, I also have witnessed MCFF and its panels and galas grow and perfect themselves into a high-class, low-pretense, no-nonsense, truly global event where independent filmmakers from all over the world come to share and celebrate their art and each other. Congratulations for six excellent years – and here’s wishing them many more!”
Alex Rotaru, Filmmaker, (USA)
I would like to say simply that I have been to many Film Festival, but the experience that I took away from MCFF will last me a lifetime. The diversity in Films and wonderful camaraderie among Filmmakers made MCFF a joy to be part of. TEAM MCFF thank you for a unique and wonderful experience… I have been telling the world about this fantastic Film Festival in magical Monaco!
Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Actor/Producer (USA/Nigeria)
MCFF 2010
“On behalf of everyone involve in REGRESA, I would like to thank you and all your team for a wonderful experience the past MCFF. I have been to many Film Festival and I must say that the spirit and warmth shown by all of you in MCFF, gives this Festival and incredible good felling and doing what we love most, which is doing movies, while we witness how you all help those that more need it. A magical concept and a wonderful team!
Abrazo Fuerte and God Be with you.”
Alejandro Gonzales Padilla, Director (Mexico)
“[…] I think you have made MCFF a GREAT film Festival with your dedication, and inspiration to everyone, including me. I think what makes the festival exceptional, is that it brings together filmmakers who have made films under unusual circumstances, driven by idealism to share insights into the human condition and the spiritual universe. MCFF provides independent filmmakers a forum where they can share their vision with an international audience in a supportive and beautiful setting — and meet kindred souls. They may be independent, but their voices are heard and respected. I know after seeing what you have done, that no one else could make this festival so warm, and be so supportive, and I see it’s not easy.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me in a small way and letting me share in the journey. God bless you for the happiness and joy you have created for me and many other filmmakers.”
Charles Domokos, Filmmaker & Professor (USA)
“On behalf of myself Stephen and Sam I want to thank you for such an incredible Gala Night! It was a real inspiration to meet these filmmakers in such a beautiful setting, truly unforgettable.”
Laura Beckner, LongTale LLC – Sales Company (USA)
“It was a tremendous honor to be a part of your Festival….. I wanted to say again how much I loved your festival. Everyone is asking me about it and the entire Turning Japanese team is very happy not only to be a part of the MCFF, but also taken aback about the grand prize award. Thank you again.”
Paul Bickel, Director (USA)
“We’d like you to know that it was a great pleasure for my wife and me to attend the festival, to meet interesting people and to watch wonderful films. Thank you very much for this opportunity.”
Alexander Buravsky, Director (Russia) & Louiza Mosendtz, Actress (Russia)
“Once again I’d like to express my gratitude to you, representing all the staffs and crews of the “Restoration” team. What can I say except thank you for your hospitality? I’m sure that it was the Lord’s Will! MCFF Team made every effort to make our stay a joy and it made me feel that I’d have to study hard in English and do something for MCFF next year.”
Lee Im-joo, Producer (South Korea)*
“Well I for one would like to congratulate you and your small team of dedicated helpers for doing a great job. These things simply don’t happen, they need organization and detailed attention 24/7. Well done and we look forward to next year’s show.”
Kevin Foo, Producer (Kazakhstan)
“I thought that the Festival was amazing, the films were so interesting, the subjects were unique and the crowd was so warm. It was an honor to be surrounded by so many talents. Thank you again.”
Youmna Aoukar, Director (Lebanon)
“[…] I want to tell you thank you for all your efforts, it was shown this year the difference your presence made to the festival, and I can see a better future for MCFF if it continues growing up year after year.”
Sam Lahoud, Head of Audio Visual @ Notre Dame University, Lebanon
“Thank you so much for this wonderful and memorable Festival…”
Dina Kossayeva, Producer (Kazakhstan)
“Thank you for everything, we can honestly say that this year’s version of MCFF was the best and the caliber of professional people was very distinguished. Now that the Festival is on the right track and on the MAP I am sure that each year is going to grow more and more to become one of the most prestigious Festivals.”
George Khabbaz, Audio Visual, NDU
“You’ve put a lot of effort into it, and the films were very informative, sensible in one word:beautiful! The organization was great, very professional.”
Sony Ith, Reporter at Nice Matin (Monaco)
“Georges, it was a lovely Festival. We all enjoyed ourselves, and appreciated the Festival’s combined commitments to film and good works. Bravo tout le monde….”
NC Heikin, Director (USA)
‘“It was a great experience to be at the Festival and would love to repeat it next year…”
Krystof Kriz, Photographer (Czech Republic)
“Thanks to you and to everybody who made this incredible Festival exist.
I enjoyed every moment of my too brief passage with you all.”
Nicolas Traube, Producer (France)
“It was a truly wonderful experience and I am glad that I had been given the opportunity to play a small part in that great charity work you and Vicente and the others are doing.
Already miss our time in Monaco.”
Zdenka Simandlova, Director (Czech Republic)
“The festival was GREAT as was the GALA. I truly had a blast. Thank you again.”
Michael Ryan Lawrence, Director (USA)
“We had a great time in Monaco. It was a blessing to be there! It was cool
to see filmmakers from across the world come together and share their work and
art. I hope to come back next year.”
Daric Gates, Director (USA)
“Those of us fortunate enough to have “been there”… We already knew everything these filmmakers wrote and felt… and maybe more!!! I wish I had the opportunity each year to return for those very reasons mentioned: Wonderful experience; incredible good feelings from everyone; beautiful people with a charitable heart; kindred spirits; fantastic surroundings; interesting films; generosity; professional and respective; attentive and supportive, and on and on and on…. I love MCFF and you, Georges for being so open to such deserving filmmakers, and of course, Vincente, Paul and the whole family working to make the Festival successful.”
Jody Jaress, Actress (USA)
“MCFF gets you high in a very healthy way! Great Movies to discover. Great people to discover. 7 days of pure “high” and joy!”
Dan Finkel, Director/Screenwriter (USA)
“MCFF is food for thought. Food for the mind. Food for the sight.”
Nabil Abed, Member of the Jury (Lebanon)
“MCFF is home to Filmmakers away from home. It’s fun and it’s films. It’s warmth and it’s love. Anyone and Everyone is Someone!”
Banyah Choi, Actress, South Korea – Member of the Jury.
MCFF 2009
“Thank you! This was an amazing honor being invited with JUMP to Monte Carlo. Vicente was a wonderful host. It was so touching being part of the unspoiled part of film industry.
I met so many good people there, so many talents. Each Selected Film, even the Trailer produced for the Gala was a thrill! True art work every piece. And the benefit for VIRLANIE, what a big human project. I am proud being part of this side of business hand in hand with people like you.”
Lilly Berger, Producer, (Austria)
“[…]many thanks again to you from us and to all of the other wonderful people who worked very hard to make this Festival possible. Georges, your hard work and determination to get this Festival off the ground had proven to be a complete success. I thank you again for the opportunity….”
Leonard Rosen, Filmmaker (USA)
“Thank you all very much for making our stay and screenings a wonderful experience. We all enjoyed it very much and thank you for such a meaningful Award.”
Bobby Leigh, Filmmaker (USA)
“It was my honor to have been selected by the MCFF. We had great fun…. and Georges you are a Leader to me!”
Tao Jiang, Filmmaker (China)
“Human. Artistic. Good Movies. Tears. Smiles. Sunny all in one place: The Monaco Charity Film Festival! What a great combination Humanitarian Work combined with Filmmakers from all over the World!”
Xavier Deluc, Actor/Director (France)
OPENING FESTIVAL SCREENING
STUDENT SHORTS SHOWCASE
AUSTRALIAN SHORT FILMS SHOWCASE
In Commemoration of the Exodus of nearly 2 million Circassians (Cherkess) from their Homeland on May 21st 1864
